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Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
The Duckling in Boots by Camelia Kuhn is a bilingual children’s story about a young duckling named Ducky who struggles with feeling different because of his glowing feet. The story begins on a farm where Ducky lives happily with his mother, but his unusual feet quickly become a source of teasing among the other animals. Despite his cheerful personality, he feels hurt and alone when the other ducklings laugh at him. His mother tries to help by giving him bright red boots to hide his glowing feet, but even this makes them laugh when the boots seem too big. Seeking comfort, Ducky goes to a nearby lake, where he finds the fish admire his glowing feet and appreciate the light in their dark environment. This moment helps him see that what makes him different can also be special. The story sends a clear message about self-acceptance and the recognition of one’s unique qualities.
The Duckling in Boots is written in a gentle style that suits its message and audience. The bilingual format, presented in both English and Spanish, adds engagement and makes the book useful for language learning as well as storytelling. The language is simple and clear, with repetition and dialogue that make it easy to read aloud. The illustrations by Sara Cruz are expressive and colorful, using light and contrast to highlight Ducky’s glowing feet, especially in scenes where the visual emphasis reinforces the story’s central idea. The combination of text and imagery creates a cohesive read that keeps the focus on emotion and transformation. Readers who enjoy stories about individuality, kindness, and finding strength in differences will appreciate how Camelia Kuhn presents these ideas engagingly and reassuringly.
